Reviews Of The Best Cameras For Vlogging

Product Expert supports our readers with thousands of hours of research and reporting to help you find the products for your life and your family.
You support us through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn more about what we do.

A better camera equals better quality vlogs

Are you tired of recording your vlogs on your cellphone, constantly having to manually adjust your focus, or just generally fed up with your set up right now? You need one of the best vlogging cameras, and we’ve got the perfect list to get you on the path to YouTube perfection.

1. Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II Digital Vlogging Camera

The first and most impressive item on our list of the best vlogging cameras is the Canon PowerShot G1X Mark II. First off let’s talk about the size capabilities, because the PowerShot G1 X Mark II has a good 13.1-megapixel size for 4:3 ratio shots, 12.8 megapixels for a 3:2 aspect ratio, and the CMOS sensor in this unit is 1.5”. The lens is a 24-120mm equivalent F2-3.9 lens which has an optical image stabilizer, and the optical zoom is up to 5x. Alternatively, you can use a camera stabilizer as reviewed here. This camera has a mind-blowing range of features and settings, not least of all including a big ISO range of 100 – 12800, 1080p 30fps high definition recording capabilities, a built in Wi-Fi, NFC and GPS.

The video capture resolutions range from a crisp HD1920 x 1080 (30p), to a softer HD 1280 x 720 (30p), and even down to a smooth SD 640 x 480 (30 fps) which you could use for test shots and camera set up. This vlogging camera is best because it has some serious auto focus technology, which can be set to single or multiple areas, continuous focus, tracking focus or even face detection. That means you’ll never have to worry about the camera suddenly blurring the image because it has lost focus! It also has a contrast detector, a tilting LCD screen so that you can see yourself as you film, and complex exposure control that can be set to shutter priority, aperture priority, hybrid auto and more. The memory cards that this camera can take include SD, SDHC and SDXC. The purchase bundle includes the PowerShot G1 X Mark II camera itself, a battery pack as well as a battery charger, a neck strap and a limited 1 year warranty card.

Why we liked it – This camera has it all, but the most important thing about it is the combination of the optical image stabiliser and the autofocus settings, because together these make for super smooth, enjoyable vlogs! Shooting HD video with one of these machines would be a pleasure every time.

2. Canon PowerShot G7 X Digital Vlogging Camera

The next item on our list is the Canon PowerShot G7 X, another fantastic find in the professional range of vlogging cameras. Let’s talk lens: the zoom on the G7X’s lens is slightly less than it’s “big brother” the G1X, but it still works with a good 4.2x optical zoom and a 24mm-100mm lens. The sensor of the lens is a new 1-inch high-sensitivity CMOS sensor that has a huge 20.2-megapixel capability, and it works behind the scenes with the new DIGIC 6 Image Processor that Canon recently released. The lens has a 9 blade iris diaphragm built in, and is also equipped with IS.

The control ring on the lens also allows you to customize your shooting set up exactly the way you like it, because you can access and adjust all the shooting modes such as aperture speed, ISO, focus and flash. This model has the same range of autofocus technology as the GX1, including 31 autofocus points that will keep your image in perfect focus at all times. For transferring your content to your PC or setting up a live feed there is built in Wi-Fi and NFC, and even a micro HDMI that you can utilise if you need to. In terms of functionality for vlogging there is a large 3” multi-angle touch screen LCD to frame your shots for the perfect selfie, and the video capabilities are up to 1080p, 60 frames per second recording – it couldn’t get any better than that!

Why we liked it – the CMOS sensor on the G7 X is top quality at 20.2 megapixels, which means that your photographs and videos are processed at a high resolution and will come out looking amazing. Another great feature of this model is the exposure control for scene and movie options, which will work wonders for vlogging in all different settings. Its a great point and shoot, but if you are looking for cheaper alternatives – they are out there too.

3. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame DSLR Vlogger Camera

The first 4K item on our list has to be the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR, a camera that truly performs as advertised. The full frame sensor on the EOS 5D Mark IV can capture incredibly high resolution with very low noise at 30.4 megapixels, and this also gives it the ability to record 4K video at 30 frames per second – that gives you a maximum display resolution of up to one million pixels. The ISO range is between 100-32000, but this can be expanded to 50-102400. Not many vloggers use 4K yet, so if you want to get ahead of the crowd this is the camera that will get you there! The auto-focus function works on a comprehensive 61-point system, with a further 41 cross points to ensure that the vertical coverage of focus is also top notch.

We suggest that you order the 24-105mm range lens as well as the accessory bundle, which are standard but still very high quality to capture your best shots. The viewfinder is optical, with a single 1x optical zoom on the body, but if you want to replace the lens for something heftier that is always an option to improve your zoom. Read our review of the top macro DSLR lenses. There is an LCD screen for viewing if you prefer to have an easier interface, and it is also touch screen for ease of use. The entire package includes the EOS 5D Mark IV Body, an eyecup cover to prevent dust and dirt from touching the lens, a wide strap, a battery pack and charger, an interface cable (IFC-150U II), one EF24-105mm F4L IS II USM Lens, an extra lens dust cap, and a lens hood. Other support included with your purchase includes an instruction booklet, a warranty card, and a USA Leaflet of Original Learning Center Registration.

Why we liked it – being able to record at 4K resolution is an amazing feature, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a comparable camera on the market right now. Apart from the 4K resolution, the extra cross points on the auto-focus give the EOS5D Mark IV a great boost in terms of lasting value.

4. Nikon Cool-Pix S9500

The best Nikon camera for vlogging is the Cool-Pix S9500 which might look dainty, but it still packs a big punch. The integral lens on the S96500 has a focal range of 25-550 mm, which should work well for almost any of your vlogging needs. The sensor on this camera is an 18.1 megapixel CMOS unit that is well built to film and take pictures in low-light conditions, with an ISO range of 125 – 1600. The optical zoom on this camera is the largest on our range at 22x, with a further 4x digital zoom if needed, and it also has optical image stabilisation so you can take zoomed shots or video without losing focus. This camera is great to carry around without too much extra hassle because of its size, and would be perfect for the travelling vlogger.

This camera is not a DSLR, so you cannot replace the lens or upgrade it, but that also means that you won’t incur extra cost. The price of this little guy is once-off, but you’ll continue to reap the benefits for a long time to come. You may want to pick up some extra memory cards though, because the bundle doesn’t include an external card. The S9500 can support SD, SDHC and SDXC. It has one USB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. Extra features like Wi-Fi sharing and built in GPS give you the option of recording your travels with coordinates, and to upload images right from your camera. At 0.45 pounds (200 grams) this is the lightest camera on the list, and it will never weigh you down.

Why we liked it – this camera is great for taking with you when space is an issue, so for a compact device we think the Cool-Pix S9500 takes the medal for best compact vlogging camera. The optical zoom and image stabilisation are two great features that you usually don’t find in smaller units, so this is an important aspect for us too.

5. Canon EOS Rebel T6i Digital SLR

Canon hits our list of the best vlogging cameras once again with a different choice, the EOS Rebel T6i Digital SLR. The CMOS sensor operates at 18.0 megapixels, and the processor image processor is the Canon DIGIC 4+, allowing for an adjustable ISO range of 125-6400 (or 100-12800 in the extended mode). Included in this bundle are four unique lenses: one 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens, one 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III lens, one HD 58 mm wide angle lens and a 58 mm 2.2x zoom professional telephoto lens. You’ll never be short of the right lens to do the job, whether you’re filming close ups or location shots this package will have you sorted out – not to mention that there are three 58mm lens filters to get the right lighting in all conditions.

The video capture resolution of the Canon EOS Rebel T6i is a crisp 1920 x 1080p high definition. Other accessories in this kit include a digital universal manual flash, a 57” tripod (with a miniature table-top tripod which would be perfect for desk vlogging), one 32GB memory card an extra 16GB card, and lastly a comfy shoulder bag to keep your camera and extra lenses safe. Make sure to select the accessory bundle option on Amazon to get all of these great add-ons. Some other main features of the EOS Rebel T6i is that it is built with Wi-Fi and NFC (near field communication), and this feature is great if you want to upload or post raw content as soon as you’ve shot it, and you won’t have to move off location or endlessly swap memory cards. Overall this camera is a fantastic choice for the professional vlogger, and it can also be used to take some breath-taking still shots too!

Why we liked it – The bundle you can purchase for this camera is really comprehensive, from lenses to tripods, you’ll have the complete set to create those scenes you’ve been dreaming of. With so many lenses included, you really do have the best equipment to capture everything from table-top to mountain-top, and everything in between.

6. Sony a7R II Full-Frame Mirrorless

This next item is rather special because it is a mirrorless, full-frame DSLR camera from Sony, called the AR7 II. This camera has the world’s first back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, which has an absolutely massive image resolution capability of 42.4 megapixels, for 4K movie recording without any pixel binning. The stabilization in the body is created by a 5-axis mount that keeps your image perfectly still, and on top of this there is also shutter vibration suppression to make sure that each photo is as good as the last. If you like to film while moving – say you’re taking an open bus tour in a foreign city, or just riding the train in your home town – there is no better camera to use than this Sony AR7 II.

In terms of auto-focus, there are an impressive 399 points on the focal plane with phase detection, which is lightning fast. The ISO range of the AR7 II is between 100-102400, which means that it will work perfectly in all lighting conditions. This camera can connect to your smartphone and integrate with various apps, via the built in Wi-Fi and NFC nodes, so you can operate the camera while you’re standing in front of it. This is a useful tool, because you might need to film yourself in a precarious spot, and being able to look through your viewfinder on your cell-phone screen is convenient and easy. This camera does not come with any lenses by default, so be sure to check the Amazon page to select your preferred lens.

Why we liked it – the auto-focus technology on this camera is a huge improvement for the Sony brand, and working with a phase detection AF is something that is rarely seen in a camera of this kind. We also really enjoy the cell-phone integration which brings this camera into the forefront of technological convenience.

7. Sony FDRAX53/B 4K HD Video Recording Camcorder

The first dedicated camcorder on our list is the Sony FDRAX53/B, and itwill make vlogging that much easier. Its ergonomic design is comfortable in the hand even when filming for long periods of time, and you won’t have to worry about having a shaky hand, because this product has some impressive image stabilizing infrastructure. The stabilization is B.O.S.S. (Balanced Optical Steady Shot) technology, and this tech is very effective at keeping the lens and the sensor stable. As they are both stabilized at the same time in one integrated unit, and there is no chance of having one of the components being unstable while the other is primed to use. The 26.8mm wide lens paired with a 16.6 megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor give you smooth 4K recording, with up to 30x clear image zoom and 20x optical zoom. Because the lens is wide angle, you can get stunning clarity with the wide-angle-to-telephoto range.

Another nifty trick that the Sony FDRAX53 has up its sleeve is the ability to take a 4K time-lapse video, and this can add some serious value to your vlogging style. For ease of use there is a control ring that you can turn to adjust any setting you need – from exposure to focus, zoom and shutter speed. Audio recording is a breeze with this model, as it has a 5 direction span to reduce noise by 40%, which is said to be three times as effective as 5.1 surround sound. For uploading or sharing your content there is a Wi-Fi and NFC capability. Included in this set is an AC adaptor and power cord, a battery charger, one micro USB cable and one micro HDMI cable. You can even do live streams directly through UStream with this bad boy. You may need an HDMI splitter for your home set up, click here for our complete reviews.

Why we liked it – being handheld this camera is far more suited to the vlog style, and can create more organic feel to the moving vlog experience. Just about every feature of this camcorder is a point to be excited about, but we’ve got to say that the B.O.S.S. stabilization takes the cake.

8. Canon PowerShot D30 Waterproof Digital Camera

If you’re a diver or an avid swimmer, you’ll definitely want to pick up the Canon PowerShot D30 Waterproof Digital Camera. The PowerShot has a 28-140mm F3.9-4.8 equivalent lens with five times optical image stabilization, and an ISO range of 100-3200 for shooting in low light conditions. The megapixels on this camera clock out at 12MP for the BSI-CMOS sensor, but it can still take clear and smooth HD video. This camera can record at 1080p HD above or underwater, and it has a super slow motion mode which can record at a lower resolution of 640 by 480 pixels. The waterproofing on this camera is effective up to 25 meters (82 feet) and it is also shockproof to 2 metres (6.5 feet) if you happen to drop it.

Temperature is also a factor when you’re filming in water, so be advised that this camera is temperature resistant from -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) – so no dropping it in boiling water as an experiment! Framing your shots is also easy with the 3-inch LCD (461,000 dots), and every video or picture you take will be stamped with an exact GPS location. The memory capacity of this model depends on the card you use, and you can use SD, SDHC or SDXC memory cards. The autofocus of the PowerShot has some cool options available, such as continuous, multi-area, face detection or tracking and live view. Included in this pack is a battery charger, wrist strap and a 1-year warranty card. On a budget? Click here if you are looking for a digital camera under $200.

Why we liked it – this is the only item on our list that is certified waterproof! We often forget that vlogging is not only limited to dry land, and some people might like to go snorkeling or work on underwater projects. The fact that this compact camera can record at HD resolution underwater is simply fantastic.

9. Sony PXWX70 HD422 Hand Held Camcorder LCD

The last – but certainly not least, as the saying goes – item on our list of the best vlogging cameras is the Sony PXWX70 HD422 Camcorder with a flashy 3.5-inch OLCD viewfinder screen. The lens of this camera is a 29mm wide angle ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T with a control ring, which has an optical zoom of 12 times and a further 24 times clear image digital zoom ability. A wide angle lens is able to fit more in the frame when you’re recording, which can be great if you’re taking shots of nature or even city streets. There are dual media slots to do simultaneous recordings in both slow and fast motion or to perform relay recording which will automatically switch over to the next memory card when one is full.

The camera can be connected to your cell phone via Wi-Fi NFC applications to make sure that every shot you’re taking has exactly the right angle. Being able to operate this camera remotely not only from your phone but the included wireless control is a very handy feature. This package comes with so many trimmings, like a lens hood and cap, an eyecup and accessory shoe kit, a rechargeable battery pack, one USB cable, an AC adaptor and power cord, and a wireless remote control. While this unit is not currently able to stream in 4K, Sony has promised that it will be compatible with this any many other features soon via software updates. Click here if you are looking for a vlogging camera with a flip screen.

Why we liked it – this unit really feels like you’re shooting a film, and the quality is just about as good. The stability of the Sony PXWX70 camcorder is unrivaled for moving shots and has a fantastic viewfinder.

Guide To The Best Vlogging Cameras

If you are here to pick up one of the best cameras for vlogging you have probably already thought about all the ways you can use them when you make that purchase. For those of you who are less sure about your plans, we’ve written a comprehensive guide to using a vlog and how to make sure that you get paid from vlogging.

What is Vlogging?

Vlogging is simply having a blog in video format. You can create just about any kind of vlog, such as a food vlog, travel vlog, or even just a daily lifestyle vlog to keep your fans interested in what you do day to day. More than just presenting information, a vlog is a type of entertaining peek into the life of others, so usually, vloggers will follow their hobbies or talk about themselves from a place of genuine interest.You can use a vlog as a companion to an existing blog or website that you own, and it can add depth to the viewer’s experience that they wouldn’t get from reading. Vlogging is a way of keeping your content fresh and dynamic because sometimes it can be difficult to read pages and pages of content when you’re trying to relax.

Starting a vlog can be something you do as a passion project or something you want to earn money from. If you vlog for fun you probably wouldn’t consider putting a whole lot of money in to the equipment you use, but if you want to make it a full time job to create content online and get paid for it, you’re going to have to invest a lot of time and energy in learning about vlogging. Professional vloggers will train up their skills on camera use, video and sound editing software, and their social media presence. Click here for more camera equipment reviews.

What is a Video blog?

A video blog is also called a vlog, so they are essentially the same thing, but the way that these differ from a regular blog is a more important distinction to make. A video blog is usually a snippet of something you do in your daily life, whether that is baking your favorite cake recipe, or even spending some time talking about your political beliefs. The real change is that all of the content of a vlog is shown in video format instead of text as with a traditional blog, there are no lengthy write-ups or newsletters. Think about it as the difference between holding a pen and holding a camera when you want to capture something you’re interested in. It’s as straightforward as that, and there are some benefits to having a video blog instead of a regular one:

Easy to enjoy – where some blogs might be easy to read and have a lot of images, some blogs would just work far better if they were done in video. For example, a news blog might be completely readable and easy going on the eyes, but if you’re trying to repair an engine or learn how to check your tire pressure, a video is far more effective.

Dynamic content – with the right shots and good editing you can make anything seem exciting, which is why video blogging is so much fun. Take something which is otherwise not very fun – like using every-day items or cleaning up the house – and if you put on some fun music and speed up the footage it could be really fun to watch. You can do just about anything with video blogging, and the more creative you are the easier your content will stand out from the competition.

Short and sweet – you could make long blog posts if you needed to get something off your chest, but people will be able to watch a 5- or 10-minute video full of content and not get bored or tired. Reading is tough on the eyes and brain, and sometimes you just want to sit back and relax while watching your favorite vlogger. Talking on video can also make your content relatable because people will see your face and the way you use body language as you chat.

Wider appeal – you will reach far more people by vlogging and sharing your content via video, because it is likely that younger people do not choose to read blogs, and the time commitment of reading might just be too much for busy working individuals. Vlogging can also introduce people to areas of life that they may never be able to experience, so taking a hike through the mountains in Japan with your vlogging camera might just make someone else’s day who could never dream of having the opportunity to do so.

How to start a vlog?

Starting a vlog is simple, all you need is a camera, an account with a video hosting site such as YouTube or Vimeo, and a touch of creativity. To post content to YouTube you need a Google account, so make sure that you have created one of these first. From here you can go to www.youtube.com and log in to your account on the top right hand side of the site. Once you have done this you will find an upload button which looks like an upwards facing arrow, and you just follow the instructions from here on out. Some further tips for vlogging are below:

Planning your content – the first thing to do when starting a vlog is to set out a plan for what you want to do. Filming vlog content can be as easy as carrying a handheld camera or setting up a mounted camera on your body. If you’re doing a lifestyle vlog you are probably going to be more free with your filming and simply take the camera wherever you go in the house, to the shop or perhaps on a walk around town. You might have a more specific plan to film particular scenes if you’re doing something like a motorcycle channel where you ride or build motorbikes, like bakerXderek.

Creating your content – this is where the best cameras for vlogging come in, as you’ll need a nice high resolution video camera to take awesome footage. You can get various accessories for your camera which makes content creation even easier, like a tripod or a rig that you can slide the camera across for moving shots. Infographics and animations also may form part of your content, so you might want to budget some time for creating or sourcing these. Using a stock image photo site like Depositphotos or Shutterstock will give you an edge in getting high quality content out for voice overs or backgrounds to your vlog channel.

Editing your content – you can use professional software to edit your vlogs, such as Apple Final Cut Pro or Corel VideoStudio Ultimate X9, which are more advanced and probably require some tutorials. They aren’t all that hard to master, however, and if you’re learning these skills for making some money they are certainly worth knowing. Using little jump cuts and fun transitions between scenes can be an entertaining way to spruce up your content and attract a bigger viewership. YouTube also has an on-site editing section where you can do some simple edits if you need to, but it is usually best to upload your finished video directly to the site.

Sharing your content – there are various platforms you can share links to your content on, such as Instagram, Facebook, Google+, Twitter and more. Make sure that you hook yourself up with as many of these as possible, as each one reaches a viewer base that will increase your views. You can set up automatic sharing from YouTube so that when a video is uploaded you will receive a short URL to link to your Facebook and other pages. Keeping your page active is also vital! Post updates or even teasers of content when you cannot upload full length videos because you will still want your page to seem busy and active even when you’re not able to do much with it.

What about some ideas for vlogs? Well, let’s break them down into some simple categories and think about what that might entail:

Travel – the most coveted vlog (and probably the most difficult to maintain) is the travel vlog, because showing off exotic places and foreign lands is one of the best ways to get people interested in what you’re doing. You don’t have to go international to do a travel vlog, however, you could do quite well taking tours around your own country and giving others an experience of how people live in another state, or what the landscapes are like in the natural parks in your state. Even doing nature walks might qualify!

Food – we should include drinks here too, because it’s quite common for people to start food and wine blogs, but having a food vlog like Daym Drops can be a fast-track to fame. You can do food reviews from anywhere you like, and as long as you have a plan for how you’re going to rate the food. Do you use a scale of 1-5, or a percentage? It’s all up to you. Reviewing restaurants or fast food joints might set you back a bit of money, but if you work it in to your daily routine and set up your camera around dinner time, you might be able to make a profit just from eating your own dinner once you’re popular enough. People may even begin to ask you to come on over to their restaurant to do a review to boost their popularity.

Lifestyle – sometimes just showing people what your daily life is like is enough to garner some interest from the online community. People love to watch other people, it’s built in to us! Lifestyle vlogs can be based around a particular part of your day such as your morning routine, or pretty much any time that you feel like recording. Don’t be afraid of having a vlog based on your own life, because you’d be surprised how much people will appreciate your effort and insight.

Pets – people love animals, so vlogging about your pets is usually an easy way to get people interested. If you take your dog for walks or play with your cat in the garden you might want to take the camera out and just have a good time filming some cute content. If you know a thing or two about pet care you could also do an informational vlog which teaches people how to look after their pets properly.

Hobbies – this category would include showing off your hobbies and talking about them as you go out to have fun with them. If you enjoy fishing, you could do a fishing vlog where you go out to the lake and sit with your camera while you wait for a catch. If you like to build RC cars or airplanes you could also have a vlog following your latest builds and how you’re getting on with making new things. One very trendy hobby vlog idea at the moment comes from blacksmiths, and there have been several channels starting up about what types of things people are making in their home forges.

Tutorials – think about something you’re quite knowledgeable about. It could be hair and makeup, woodwork, fixing car engines – anything you have some sort of expertise or interest in that you can teach to others. You could start a vlog showing people how to do a new hairstyle or makeup style once a week, or if you like cooking you could take interesting recipes and see what you can do with them in each new episode of your vlog. Usually, you will choose something that you know quite a lot about, but it can be funny to attempt things that you have no clue about too – which brings us on to the next category.

Humour – trying to make people laugh can be a tough call, but if you’ve got the gift of the gab you could start a humor vlog where you tell funny stories, test strange products or just mess about for entertainment. Keep in mind that not everyone has the same sense of humor, so it may take a while to gain a following if you have a particularly rare sense of humor.

If you need some more vlogging tips you can always check out how to be a vlogger at WikiHow, and check out this video by BFvsGF to see what a professional popular vlog looks like:

How to make money vlogging:

The most common way to make money vlogging is to earn it from advertising revenue. YouTube is the easiest site to use because it is relatively easy and hassle free. You will need to sign up to a Google AdSense account, and bear in mind that you may only have one of these accounts. You can have a few different YouTube channels, but only one AdSense account, because billing and any relevant copy-write information will relate to your specific identity. You can go to your channel settings and select “Monetization”, then navigate to “Associate an AdSense account”. Depending on your country you may have to provide an identification or social security number, and link the AdSense account to a bank account. With YouTube, you can get paid wherever you are in the world, but if you live outside of the US it is likely that you will be mailed a cheque with your name on it instead of being paid by direct electronic fund transfer (EFT).

The more views you have, the better your advert revenue will be, so working hard on your vlog content will be a good way to make sure you keep the cash flowing in. Adverts will play before or during your video depending on the options you select, and it’s always a good idea to check in with your audience about which format they prefer. If they don’t mind banner ads popping up as an overlay to your content this might be a good idea to avoid people having to wait to skip full adverts that play before your content. It is also a good idea to read up about the Google AdSense terms and conditions before really getting in to being paid from vlogging. Know what the legal limits are to using other’s content, and how you can conduct business properly as an online professional. Remember that you must be 18 years or older to start making money from YouTube, but you can always work with an older person like a parent or a friend to collaborate on videos and split whatever money you make this way.